One Lunch, Many Ways to Connect

At Carmel High School, lunchtime looks a little different this year. 

One group of students might be shooting hoops in the gym while another is studying in Casey Hall. Outside, students walk the track, play soccer or gather with friends. Some students relax in the bean bag area on the first floor, while others gear up for a competitive ping-pong game. 

They are all part of the same lunch period. 

This year, Carmel High School introduced Community Lunch, a shared lunchtime for all students that is at the heart of the school’s new schedule. The schedule features longer classes on an eight-day cycle and gives students a 45-minute lunchtime to eat, socialize, participate in activities and recharge. “It’s officially the Community Lunch, but we call it ‘Rams’ Recess,’ because it’s like recess for high school,” Principal Brian Piazza said. “The students can move around, get out their energy and connect with friends.” 

Community Lunch gives students a variety of options throughout the building.  

Casey Hall has become a quieter space where students can eat and study. The gym is a lively gathering place, with basketball games, ping pong and an open weight room. Outside, students can play on the turf field, where the school has started organizing lunchtime tournaments, including a recent spikeball tournament. 

Students can gather in the lower outdoor courtyard, or at the picnic tables in the upper courtyard. “I like the bean bag area,” said Kate, a junior, describing a collection of cozy chairs arranged in a first-floor hallway. “I like going uptown,” her friend Keira said, referring to the chance to walk to nearby stores. 
Community Lunch also creates new opportunities for students to join clubs and activities without staying after school. Film Club and Art Club, for example, meet during lunch. Soon, the high school will offer mini-elective classes during lunch, giving students even more ways to use their time. 

The new lunch also gives students more choices of where and what they eat. Food is available throughout the school, including kiosks outside the library and gym. In addition to the main cafeteria line, students can choose from a snack bar and deli. The school has purchased additional warming carts so that more hot food can soon be served at the kiosks. “I like the pizza,” said Timothy, an 11th grader. "We didn't have that every day before." 
Having one lunch period also gives students a chance to connect with classmates they might not otherwise see during the school day. For freshmen, it can ease the transition to high school by allowing them to have lunch with friends. 

“I like that everybody has lunch at the same time,” sophomore Juliana said. “Before, you wouldn’t always have lunch with your friends, but now you can.” The change has had a positive impact on the overall culture of Carmel High School. “The Community Lunch is off to a great start,” Mr. Piazza said.  “I love to see the kids engaged, active, and enjoying time with their friends each day during Lunch. I think our students look forward to Community Lunch each day. Our focus now is on continuing to improve and enhance the experience for students. We’re building our infrastructure and operations to serve lunch quickly and efficiently, giving students voice in planning school-wide events during Community Lunch, and expanding the options of clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities.”